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Cancer care: Lung cancer

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a sunflower shows the hope Virginia Piper Cancer Institute can bringVirginia Piper Cancer Institute®

We believe that the care we provide is as unique as the patients and families we serve. You can access the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute in Minneapolis and Fridley.

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Lung cancer: What is it?

Frank's doctor listens to his lungs to see how well he is breathing despite lung cancer

Lung cancer starts in the lungs. It is a tumor of abnormal cells that reproduce rapidly and do not grow into normal lung tissue. A lung cancer tumor can grow in one or both lungs.

There are two main types of lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer is a fast-growing lung cancer.

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that involves the lining of the lung. Although mesothelioma occurs in the chest, it is not considered a form of lung cancer.

Lung cancer facts

  • Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer.
  • Lung cancer is the most preventable type of cancer.
  • To prevent most lung cancer cases, all you need to do is stop smoking – or never start.

arrow points to link for more lung cancer facts Get more lung cancer facts from our health encyclopedia.

HOT (Helping Others Through lung cancer) Air

This support group provides an environment for individuals affected by lung cancer (patients, family, caregivers, etc.) to share ideas, concerns, hopes and fears.


Source: American Cancer Society, All About Lung Cancer – Non-small Cell, All About Lung Cancer – Small Cell; National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™; Lung Program at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute - Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Reviewed by: Katie Schwarzkopf, manager, Lung Program at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute - Abbott Northwestern Hospital
First Published: 09/30/2009
Last Reviewed: 09/01/2011